THE shocking news that Swindon has lost 7,100 jobs and is in the 10 worst-performing UK locations for jobs growth shows without doubt that we need real change to rebuild Swindon’s economy and restore our position as an economic powerhouse.

In Swindon businesses have closed, some of our major employers such as Honda have laid off workers, and our town centre is scarred by wasteland, derelict buildings, and vacant shops.

Now according to the report by the Centre for Cities, Swindon has lost 7,100 jobs, whilst our population has increased by 28,000 people. This underlines that Swindon’s once strong economy has seriously declined under the Tories. I want to see Swindon restored as an economic powerhouse and I have set out three key priorities to build a better future for Swindon.

First we need action to bring new jobs and new businesses to Swindon. If I am elected as the MP I will dedicate myself to rebuilding Swindon’s economy and attracting new businesses to Swindon. I have also set out a plan to place Swindon at the forefront of the green-tech revolution by building a Solar Swindon and supporting Honda’s plans for hydrogen-powered vehicles. Nationally Labour’s goal is to create one million green jobs, launch a Youth Jobs Guarantee, and boost apprenticeships. This action will help get people back into work.

We also need action to kick start the regeneration of our town centre. People are hugely frustrated by the Tories’ failure to improve the town centre. And yet the town centre is crucial to presenting a positive image of our town and drawing new businesses to Swindon. My priority is to follow the successful examples of Bristol and Bath and deliver an ambitious future for our town centre with our railway heritage at its heart.

Labour’s promise to cut business rates will help the high street and breathe new life into Swindon.

Thirdly a University for Swindon is vital to unlock the talents of local people and attract new businesses to our town.

However, the Tories have failed to deliver a university and are flip-flopping on whether they even support a university for the town.

I have led the campaign for a university and will press for the creation of a University Centre to lay the foundations for a full university for Swindon.

In Swindon many people tell me that the Tories haven’t delivered the change our town needs. Swindon is a town with huge potential but we need real change. That’s why I have set out a Positive Plan for a Better Swindon so that we can rebuild Swindon’s economy and restore our place as an economic powerhouse.

Mark Dempsey Parliamentary Candidate for North Swindon